AIRDRIE UNITED have been granted permission to use their original name for the first time since 2002.

AIRDRIE UNITED have changed the name of the club back to Airdrieonians.

After a long campaign by Diamonds fans, clearance has been granted by the SFA to use the name for the first time since 2002.

Chairman Jim Ballantyne said: “When the old company went into liquidation it was in a different football environment and the use of the name was not possible at that time.

“However, recent changes and rulings paved the way for us to make the move.

"It was actually raised at a fans meeting a few months ago but we could not give too much away as there was still much work to be done.

"However with the support of last year's club sponsors. E & A Heating Ltd, we were able to progress matters to a conclusion and formal SFA clearance was finally granted at the recent meeting of the Professional Game Board".

The club has today confirmed that they will also return to their old club crest.

The traditional all-red crest will be the new official badge, with the club also using an alternative black and red version on next season's away kit.